SEN Food Technology Teacher

Small classes • relational culture • equine & outdoor learning • high support, high structure

New Direction is a small, family-run independent special school for young people aged 11–16. Many of our pupils are autistic and/or have ADHD alongside SEMH needs. They often arrive with high anxiety and low self-esteem — so relationships, safety and calm consistency sit at the heart of everything we do.

We balance core learning with practical, vocational and life-skills experiences — including our much-loved Equine Yard (home to around 40 horses) which plays a powerful role in supporting regulation, confidence and engagement. You don’t need equine experience, but you do need to be open to learning in a setting where education happens both indoors and outdoors.

Key information

·       Salary: £36,000–£40,000 (depending on experience/qualifications)

·       Start date: ASAP

·       We welcome applications from QTS/QTLS teachers, Non-QTS teachers, and HLTAs with teaching experience

·       Free on-site parking

The role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and adaptable SEN Food Technology Teacher who can help pupils thrive academically and personally. You’ll teach across more than one year group (and potentially more than one subject), aligned to your strengths and experience.

At New Direction, teaching is high-support and high-structure:

·       Small classes (max 7) and strong teamwork with TAs/behaviour support

·       Short, purposeful lessons (30 minutes) with regular breaks to help pupils sustain success

·       A relational, restorative approach: we believe behaviour is communication

·       A consistent teaching model (Direct Instruction) with instructional coaching CPD (StepLab)

What you’ll do (high impact, in a small school)

·       Plan and deliver well-sequenced, engaging lessons that are adapted to individual needs

·       Build strong, trusting relationships and promote wellbeing through restorative practice

·       Work closely with support staff to help pupils regulate and re-engage (using trauma-informed strategies)

·       Track progress and use assessment to shape next steps

·       Contribute to enrichment and practical learning (equine sessions, forestry, cooking, life skills)

·       Take part in coaching/CPD and continuously reflect on practice

Who this role suits

You’ll likely love this role if you:

·       Are calm, consistent and relational-first

·       Can hold firm routines and high expectations with warmth

·       Are flexible and solution-focused when plans change

·       Enjoy being part of a close-knit team where everyone pitches in

·       Are committed to inclusive, trauma-informed practice with SEND/SEMH learners

What we offer

·       A genuinely supportive, family-run culture where you are known and valued

·       Small classes and a setting designed for calm, predictable learning

·       Ongoing CPD and coaching through StepLab instructional coaching

·       Private healthcare scheme available following probation

·       A unique working environment with outdoor and equine learning opportunities

Practicalities

·       Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm (students 8:45am–3:45pm)

·       Meetings: Fortnightly after-school staff meeting

·       Holidays: Term time broadly follow Derbyshire dates, mix of directed and non directed holiday time.

·       Uniform: Staff uniform required (via School Trends)

·       Probation: 6-month probation period

Recruitment process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial visit and interview (including a tour and time with the team). If both sides feel it’s a strong fit, we’ll invite you back to spend time in school with pupils and have a further conversation before a final decision. Two references are required (including your most recent employer).

Safeguarding

New Direction is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment checks.

If you want to make a genuine difference in a calm, relational setting — and be part of a team that does things differently for pupils who need it most — we’d love to hear from you.